Racelogic VBOX Micro RLVBMIC01 User manual

VBOX Micro
VBOX Micro
RLVBMIC01
Instruction Manual
Page 1 of 29

VBOX Micro
Contents
Contents..............................................................................................................................................................................................2
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................................................3
What can you do with the VBOX Micro? ..........................................................................................................................................4
What can you customise on the VBOX Micro?................................................................................................................................4
Additional features.............................................................................................................................................................................4
VBOX Micro Inputs and Outputs.......................................................................................................................................................5
Parts Supplied with RLVBMIC01/RLVBMIC01C...............................................................................................................................6
Optional Accessories.........................................................................................................................................................................6
Getting Started ...................................................................................................................................................................................7
Logging...............................................................................................................................................................................................9
Configuring the VBOX Micro...........................................................................................................................................................11
Connecting an Input Module to the VBOX Micro...........................................................................................................................13
Configuring and using the VCI input (VBMIC01C only)................................................................................................................14
Connecting a Display to the VBOX Micro ......................................................................................................................................16
Memory Cards ..................................................................................................................................................................................17
GPS Antenna ....................................................................................................................................................................................18
CAN Output.......................................................................................................................................................................................20
Using USB.........................................................................................................................................................................................21
VBOXTools Software .......................................................................................................................................................................22
Trouble shooting..............................................................................................................................................................................23
Upgrading the VBOX Micro’s Firmware .........................................................................................................................................24
Connector Assignments..................................................................................................................................................................25
Specification.....................................................................................................................................................................................26
Module Dimensions .........................................................................................................................................................................28
Contact Details.................................................................................................................................................................................29
Document Updates...........................................................................................................................................................................29
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VBOX Micro
Introduction
The VBOX Micro is a small, waterproof (IP66) GPS data-logging device, which records your speed, position, acceleration and many other parameters. This
data is stored on a removable compact flash card. Software provided with the unit allows you to view and analyse all of the parameters, which have been
recorded, allowing you to see how fast you were going at any time, your maximum g-force, where you went on Google Earth and many other interesting and
useful parameters.
The fastest recording rate is 10 samples per second, which is good for capturing fast events like a sports car on a circuit, a downhill skier or even a mountain
biker. The slowest recording rate is 1 sample per minute, which is useful for more long term testing such as vehicle endurance testing, mileage/route analysis
or even the movement of a ship. VBMicro logs 116 bytes/sample (default standard channels), at a log rate of 10Hz this equates to 4.2Mbytes/hour. Using a
512Mbyte compact flash card, at a log rate of 10 Hz, you get around 120 hours recording, and at 1 sample per minute you get over 3000 days recording!
The VBOX Micro records the following parameters as standard: Time, Position, Velocity, Heading, Height, Vertical Velocity, Accumulated Distance. You can
also record other parameters, either by connecting directly to your vehicle’s CAN bus(RLVBMIC01C), or by connecting a suitable external input module.
VBOX Micro with door open
GPS
antenna
CAN12 VDC
Rear View showing connectors
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VBOX Micro
What can you do with the VBOX Micro?
• Measure your speed, distance and acceleration
• Analyse your driving line
• Compare your driving style with others
• See if you are making the most of your tyres during braking and cornering
• Plot your route on Google Earth
• Measure you acceleration figures, top speed, ¼ mile etc.
• Take it anywhere – IP66 sealed against water, mud, dust etc.
What can you customise on the VBOX Micro?
• Choose the sample rate from 10 times a second to once per minute
• Attach input modules to log additional channels.
• Connect to CAN bus of your vehicle* to log useful data (RLVBMIC01C only)
• Connect via CAN to a third party data-logger
Additional features
• USB interface for setup
• 13 GPS channels logged + 16 external channels
• LED operational status indication
*Not all vehicles have a CAN bus, and each manufacturer uses a different protocol. However, we can supply CAN sets for various manufacturers, see
website for details : www.racelogic.co.uk/vbox/can
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VBOX Micro
VBOX Micro Inputs and Outputs
6-30VDC
VBOX Micro
GPS Antenna
USB Interface
(For configuration only)
CAN Input
(Racelogic modules)
CAN Output
(Not active when VCI input is
enabled)
VCI CAN Input
(Third party & vehicle CAN) Compact Flash Card
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VBOX Micro
Parts Supplied with RLVBMIC01/RLVBMIC01C
1 x VBMIC01 10Hz datalogger
1 x RLVBACS001 GPS antenna
1 x RLVBACS048 512Mb Compact Flash card
1 x RLCAB060 2-way Fischer to cigar lighter plug – 1m (power cable)
Optional Accessories
Note: The VBOXMicro uses Fischer waterproof connectors, so care must be taken when choosing cables for connecting
to other equipment.
Cables:
RLCAB062 5-way Fischer to 9 way ‘D’ connector (female) – 1m (CAN cable)
RLVBCAB20 9-way ‘D’ connector (male) to OBDII connector – 1.2m (for use with VCI products)
RLCAB063 VBOX Micro to VBOX module cable
RLCAB065 VBOX Micro to IMU02/YAW03 cable
Input Modules:
RLVBMIM01 VBOX Mini Input Module
RLVBFIM03 4 channel frequency and Pulse Counter Input Module
RLVBTC8 8 Channel Thermocouple Interface
RLVBADC03 8 Channel (16bit) Analogue Interface
RLVBYAW03 Yaw Rate sensor +2 Axis G sensor (IP65)
RLVBIMU02 Inertial Measurement Unit (IP65)
Antennas:
RLVBACS103 Low Profile ‘Ground Plane’ Antenna
RLVBACS065 Mushroom type ‘Ground Plane’ Antenna
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VBOX Micro
Getting Started
The VBMicro can be used to log data once the following simple steps have been followed.
1.Insert a suitable CF card and close the door,
2.Connect the GPS antenna mounted in a suitable position
3. Connect a power supply to the VBMicro
4.Wait for the SATS LED to show a solid green light
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VBOX Micro
Connecting power to the VBMicro
The VBMicro can be powered from two different types of power source, via the 2way PWR input socket.
1) Vehicle power outlet socket (via a supplied cigar lighter power cable RLCAB060)
2) Battery power, (Racelogic 2Ah Battery pack)
You must connect the GPS antenna before connecting power to the VBOX Micro. This is necessary because on power-up the VBOX Micro will look
for a connected GPS antenna and automatically adjust its gain for optimum performance.
LED Indicators
There are three LED indicators on the top panel of the VBOX Micro: SATS, COMS and LOG.
SATS: COMS: LOG:
Flashing RED to indicate that satellite lock has NOT
been attained
Illuminates RED to indicate configuration
communications via USB.
Illuminates GREEN to indicate that data
is being logged to the CF card.
Solid GREEN light to indicate a valid satellite lock.
Illuminates YELLOW to indicate CAN communications
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VBOX Micro
Logging
Logging control
Logging of data to the CF card can be controlled in two ways:
• Opening the CF card door; this triggers a mirco switch that stops the logging and closes the file. Closing the door will restart the logging to a new file.
• Pressing the ’■’ button, this will stop the logging and close the current file. Pressing the ’■’ button again will then re-start the logging to a new file.
Logging Modes
The VBOX Micro supports two logging modes that are set using the VBOX Micro Setup software:
• Log continuosly.
• Log only when moving (speed >0.5km/h).
Logging Rates
The VBOX Micro has an adjustable log rate set within the VBOX Micro setup software. This allows the log rate to be set in the range between 1 sample per
minute and 10 samples per second (10Hz)
File Management
• VBOX Micro data files are stored in Month folders on the CF card, i.e. Dec07, Jan08.
• Each logged file will have a file name based on each date with the following format: Mon04Dec07_XXXX.VBO.
• A new file name is created for each new day, but if a file is being logged and the time crosses midnight in the local time then a new file is not created
and logging continues in the currently open file.
• If the system is switched off and then on again in the same day then it will append new data to the existing file for that day, unless settings are
changed in which case a new file may be created.
• If you want to create a new file for the same day, you can do this by manually changing the file name of the file previously created, by accessing the
CF card through a PC or laptop. The next file created will then have the standard VBOX Micro file name format
• If one file is closed and another created on the same day they can be distinguished by an increment to the file number, i.e. Mon04Dec07_0001.VBO,
Mon04Dec07_0002.VBO.
• When a module is connected the unit must be power cycled in order for the VBOX Micro to recognise the presence of the input module. This will then
cause the VBOX Micro to open a new file as above.
The VBOX Micro will log 13 standard channels plus any additional channels from a connected input module or from the VCI connection on a VBMIC01C.
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VBOX Micro
Logged Channels
The following channels are non-selectable (always logged):
• Satellite count.
• UTC time (ms since midnight).
• Latitude (0000.00000 minutes decimal minutes).
• Longitude (00000.00000 minutes decimal minutes).
• Speed (000.000km/h).
• Heading (000.00°).
• Height (0000.00m).
• Vertical velocity (0000.00km/h).
• Longitudinal Acceleration (0000.00G, smoothed over 4 samples).
• Lateral Acceleration (0000.00G, smoothed over 4 samples).
• Distance from power on (0000000.00m).
• Accumulated distance (permanent) (0000000.00m).
• Date from GPS (ddmmyy).
Logged File Format
VBOX Micro files are saved in a standard
space delimited text format. This allows the
data to easily be imported into third party
applications such as word processors or
spreadsheets. Each file contains a header
section before the main data that describes
the channel content and information about
the VBOX Micro, such as serial number and
firmware version.
The [column names] section specifies the
data in each column of the data section.
An example of a VBOX .VBO file is shown
on the right.
Note that the “File created” time and date is
derived from GPS UTC time and date, so will
not reflect your local time unless this has
been set within the VBOX Micro setup
software.
File created on 08/07/2008 @ 11:18
[header]
satellites
time
latitude
longitude
velocity kmh
heading
height
Vertical velocity kmh
Long accel g
Lat accel g
POR Distance m
Distance m
Date
[channel units]
[comments]
VBMicro V01.00 Bld. 0011
Serial Number : 00006999
[module Information]
[column names]
sats time lat long velocity heading height vert-vel Longacc Latacc POR_Distance Distance Date
[data]
008 111825.20 +3119.371150 -00059.479950 000.000 013.36 +0162.82 +0000.24 +0000.00 +0000.00 0000000.00 0000000.00 080708
008 111825.30 +3119.371150 -00059.479950 000.000 013.37 +0162.83 +0000.23 +0000.00 +0000.00 0000000.00 0000000.00 080708
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VBOX Micro
Configuring the VBOX Micro
Configuration of any of the VBOX Micro settings is performed using the VBOX Micro Setup
software supplied with the unit. You will need to power the VBOX Micro and make a connection
from its USB socket to a USB socket on your computer.
When you connect to the VBOX Micro via USB for the first time you will be required to install USB
drivers, please see the section ‘Using USB’ below.
Installing the VBOX Micro Setup Software
Insert the supplied CD-ROM into the CD drive of your computer. An installation dialog will
automatically appear; follow the onscreen instructions to complete the installation of the setup
software.
After installation the CD-ROM can be removed and two icons should have appeared on your
desktop that will allow you to start the VBOX Micro Setup software and the VBOXTools software
for post-processing data.
Running the VBOX Micro Setup Software
First, click on the Options button to select the correct COM port on your computer.
Now click the “Read Settings” button to enter the VBOX Micro setup screen.
Note: After changing any settings in the setup software you will
need to press the “ Write Settings” button to confirm the changes in the
datalogger.
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VBOX Micro
Log Settings
To adjust the logging mode and the log rate of the VBOX Micro, click the ‘Logging’ tab in the VBOX
Micro Setup software.
Once the logging mode and rate has been set click the ‘Write Settings’ button to program the new
configuration into the VBOX Micro.
The log rate is shown as a frequency (in Hz) and also as a time period (in ms). Both options are
linked so if one is changed the other setting will automatically reflect the change.
Time/Date
The VBOX Micro uses time and date information available from the GPS satellites. This time is
based around UTC (approximately equal to GMT) so if the VBOX Micro is used in a different time
zone the local time should be set inside the VBOX Micro for ease of use.
As the time and date are critical to the creation of file names in the VBOX Micro, it is
recommended that the local time is correctly set.
Adding or subtracting an offset on the Time/Date page of the VBOX Micro Setup software adjusts
the local time.
Once the offset has been set click the ‘Write Settings’ button to program the new time and date
into the VBOX Micro.
NOTE: In order to obtain UTC time, the VBOX Micro must have attained satellite lock.
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VBOX Micro
Connecting an Input Module to the VBOX Micro
The VBOX Micro can connect to any one of the following Racelogic input modules and then include the data from each channel in the logged VBO file. The
VBOX Micro will automatically log all channels from a connected Input Module providing that the module is connected before the power is switched on.
Part Numbers Descriptions Connection Cable
RLVBTC8 8 Channel Thermocouple Interface
RLVBADC02 8 Channel (10bit) Analogue Interface
RLVBADC03 8 Channel (16bit) Analogue Interface
RLVBFIM03 4 Channel Frequency and Pulse Counter Input Module
RLVBMIM01 Mini Input Module
RLCAB063
RLVBYAW03 Yaw Rate Sensor + 2-Axis G Sensor
RLVBIMU02 Inertial Measurement Unit RLCAB065
Configuring the Input Modules
To configure an input module you must connect the module directly to the computer via
a serial cable, you cannot setup the channels via the USB port on the VBOX Micro. The
software which is required is the Stand Alone Module Setup software which is included
in the VBOX Micro installation. The module can take power from the VBOX Micro both
during operation and during configuration.
.
Once the module is powered and connected to the computer, run the Stand Alone
Module Setup software. Under ‘Options’ select the appropriate COM port, then click
‘Read Module Setup’.
The scale / multiplier and offset of each channel can be set to suit the connected sensor.
No other settings should be changed. After setting the scale and offset of each
channel, click the button ‘Write Setup to Module’. The screenshot to the right shows the
Stand Alone Module Setup software whilst connected to an ADC03 module.
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VBOX Micro
Configuring and using the VCI input (VBMIC01C only)
The VBMIC01C version of the VBMicro has the ability for its CAN port to be used as a 16channel vehicle CAN interface.
NOTE: When the VBMicro is configured in VCI mode it is not possible to connect and log data from Racelogic input modules.
Cables required
RLCAB062 5-way Fischer to 9 way ‘D’ connector (female) – 1m (CAN cable)
RLVBCAB20 9-way ‘D’ connector (male) to OBDII connector – 1.2m
When the VBMIC01C is connected to VBMicro setup software an extra Tab labelled CAN will be
displayed.
Enabling VCI Mode
• Connect the VBMIC01C to the computer via the USB cable
• Run the VBMicro Setup software.
• Click the ‘Read settings’ button to read the current configuration out of the connected
VBMIC01C
• Click on the CAN tab to display the CAN page.
• Select the ‘Enable VCI’ option.(shown in screen shot, right)
The screen shot to the right displays the CAN page when the VCI is enabled. You can see the 16
CAN channels, which in this case have all been configured to read CAN data from other
Racelogic products.
For a VCI channel to be included in the logged file it must be ‘Ticked’ as shown on all the
channels in the screen shot, right.
Baud Rate
The VCI CAN bus Baud rate is set by clicking the ‘Baud Rate’ button in this
screen, then selecting the desired BAUD rate.
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VBOX Micro
Configuring a VCI channel.
To configure a VCI channel click on the channel button of that channel, which will open a new configuration window.
All CAN attributes for channel configuration can be manually configured from within this window, shown below.
Loading a CAN database file.
Each of the 16 CAN channels can be configured form a CAN database file. From each channels setup window a CAN database file can be loaded by clicking
the ‘Database’ button. Clicking the ‘Database’ button allows a CAN database file to be opened and then a signal from the Database can be selected. This will
then automatically configure the channel with the correct CAN settings.
DATA Base format types.
.VCI Racelogic CAN database file
.REF Racelogic Encrypted database file
.DBC Database file
.RDF Racelogic Encrypted database file
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VBOX Micro
Connecting a Display to the VBOX Micro
A Multi-Function Display (MFD, part number RLVBDSP03) can be connected to the CAN output of the VBOX Micro using an RLCAB063 cable.
This then provides the user with a live display of the VBOXMicro data parameters, plus the ability to show live results of acceleration and deceleration runs
and also display Lap times.
For details of full functionality please refer to the Multi-Function Display user manual.
Whilst connected to the VBOX Micro, the MFD will have full functionality except for the ability to display trigger-activated brake test results.
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VBOX Micro
Memory Cards
The VBOX Micro stores logged data on Compact Flash (CF) cards. The supplied CF cards are already optimised for use on the VBOX Micro and as such do
not need formatting before use.
Should the CF Card need formatting due to card errors it can be done through Windows, as the VBOX Micro supports the following format type:
• FAT (upto 2Gb)
• FAT16 (upto 2Gb)
• FAT32 (upto 128Gb)
Racelogic strongly recommends the following media card brands:
• SanDisk
• Kingston
• Lexar
• Ultra
• PQi
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VBOX Micro
GPS Antenna
The GPS antenna supplied with the VBOX Micro is a 3.5V active antenna. For the best possible
signal quality, it is important to maintain a clean connection between the antenna and the VBOX
Micro. Before fixing the antenna to the VBOX Micro, ensure that there are no dust particles in either
connector. Replacement antennae are available by contacting your VBOX Micro distributor.
The antenna is a magnetic mounting type for quick and simple mounting to the vehicle roof. For
optimum GPS signal reception, make sure that the antenna is fitted to the highest point of the vehicle
away from any obstructions that may block satellite reception. The GPS antenna works best with a
metal ground plane underneath (a metallic vehicle roof is perfect for this).
Please also note that when using any GPS equipment, a clear sky view is important. Objects in the
surrounding area such as tall buildings or trees can block the GPS signal causing a reduction in the
number of satellites being tracked, or introducing reflected signals that can decrease the accuracy of
the system. Note that clouds and other atmospheric conditions do not affect the VBOX Micro’s
performance.
GPS antennas require a ground plane to operate correctly. This helps to reduce unwanted reflections of the GPS signal caused by nearby objects, and
usually the metal roof of a vehicle performs this function. However, if a test requires an antenna to be placed either off the vehicle, or on a vehicle that does
not have a metallic roof, a special ground plane antenna must be used. This has an internal ground plane and can operate perfectly without the need for
mounting on a metal surface. Ground plane antennas are available from your VBOX distributor (part number RLVBACS065).
RLVBACS065 – Ground plane antenna
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VBOX Micro
GPS Coldstart
A GPS coldstart forces the GPS engine to reset its downloaded almanac of current satellite positions. This can be useful if the VBOX Micro is having trouble
locking onto satellites, which typically occurs if the VBOX Micro has not been used for several weeks or if it was last used a long distance (over one thousand
miles) away from the current location.
After performing a GPS coldstart leave the VBOX Micro powered up in a static location where the antenna has an unobstructed view of the skies, for at least
fifteen minutes.
Once the VBOX Micro has downloaded the new almanac it will reacquire satellites in noisy situations (such as near trees, buildings and under bridges) much
more quickly. It will also acquire satellite much more quickly on power-up.
There are two ways to perform a GPS coldstart on the VBOX Micro, one with and one without the use of a computer.
Without a computer:
Press and hold the square button ’■’ on the side of the VBOX Micro for five seconds. The unit will then beep to indicate that the GPS coldstart is underway.
With a computer:
To coldstart the GPS engine in the VBOX Micro using a computer, connect the VBOX Micro
to the computer via USB cable and run the VBOX Micro set up software, is supplied with the
unit. Press ‘Read Settings’ to start communications, then open the ‘Options’ menu and select
the ‘ColdStart’ option. The unit will beep to confirm that the cold start is being performed.
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VBOX Micro
CAN Output
The VBOX Micro has a CAN output which is present on the 5-way connector output.
Data format: Motorola
Baud rate: 500Kb/s
Data Bytes
ID* Update Rate 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
0x301 100ms (1) Sats in view (2) Time since midnight UTC (3) Position – Latitude MMMM.MMMMM
0x302 100ms (4) Position – Longitude MMMM.MMMMM (5) Velocity. (Knots) (6) Heading (Degrees)
0x303 100ms (7) Altitude. WGS 84. (Metres) (8) Vertical velocity. (M/S) Unused (9) Status (10) Status
0x304 100ms Unused (11) Longitudinal Accel. (G) (12) Lateral Accel. (G)
0x305 100ms (13) Distance travelled since VBOX reset (Metres) Unused Unused
* Default Identifiers. The identifier values can be changed using the configuration software.
1) If Satellites in view < 3 then only Identifier 0x301 transmitted and bytes 2 to 8 are set to 0x00.
2) Time since midnight. This is a count of 10ms intervals since midnight UTC. (5383690 = 53836.90 seconds since midnight or 14 hours, 57 minutes
and 16.90 seconds).
3) Position, Latitude * 100,000 (311924579 = 51 Degrees, 59.24579 Minutes North). This is a true 32bit signed integer, North being positive.
4) Position, Longitude * 100,000 (11882246 = 0 Degrees, 58.82246 Minutes West). This is a true 32bit signed integer, West being positive.
5) Velocity, 0.01 knots per bit.
6) Heading, 0.01°per bit.
7) Altitude, 0.01 meters per bit, signed.
8) Vertical Velocity, 0.01 m/s per bit, signed.
9) Status, unused.
10) Status, unused.
11) Longitudinal Acceleration, 0.01G per bit, signed.
12) Lateral Acceleration, 0.01G per bit, signed.
13) Distance travelled in meters since VBOX reset.
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